Our safari vehicle climbed into the Soutpansberg Mountains, passing ancient acacia trees that are over 2,000 years old, rugged red cliffs, and striped kudu grazing in the underbrush. With each turn of the road, excitement grew for our South Africa glamping experience at Few & Far Luvhondo, a magnificent comeback for Sarah and Jacob Dusek in outdoor hospitality after their sale of Under Canvas in 2018. In contrast to their previous strategy of establishing glamping sites near major national parks, they opted for a secluded area in Limpopo known as “The Forgotten Mountains.”
Although it is a center of biodiversity featuring numerous rare and endemic species within the UNESCO Vhembe Biosphere Reserve, the Soutpansberg Range has been silently suffering from deforestation and mining, facing additional risks from planned industrial developments. Taking on ecosystem restoration, let alone dealing with mining interests and government red tape, is no easy task; however, if you’ve read Sarah’s book, Thinking Bigger: A Pitch-Deck Formula for Women Who Want to Change the World…she’s exactly the right person for the job.
Welcome to Few & Far
The sounds of African drumming, a tray laden with lychee lemonade, fragrant warm hand towels, and cheerful faces greeted us at the entrance of Few & Far Luvhondo. The general manager, Giselle, guided us to the main building, which featured a canvas structure that spread around a tree, mimicking the form, strength, and timeless beauty of the baobab. This property in the Limpopo Province is home to some of Southern Africa’s largest baobab trees. These “Trees of Life” serve as a major inspiration in the Duseks’ design and Few & Far’s profound sense of place.
Behind the Scenes: The dining area’s canvas cover didn’t come with the necessary opening, so co-founder Jacob was called upon to make the tense cut to fit it around the tree. Transforming a design hiccup into a family endeavor, it was ultimately set up with assistance from the Duseks’ two teenage sons!
Cliff Suites
Giselle escorted us to our cliff suite, a C-curved canvas and wooden structure offering expansive views from both sides. She pointed out the Few & Far field guide and binoculars on the desk, adding, “Keep an eye out for giraffe, nyala, and zebra; they’re often spotted along the valley floor.” I could already envision myself embarking on a safari right from our outdoor shower, clawfoot tub, and plush canopy bed, and a smile crossed my face.
After wishing us an enjoyable stay, the hospitality continued with a handwritten note on the cocktail-and-espresso bar, “Welcome to Few & Far Luvhondo, we’re delighted you’ve arrived in our forgotten mountains. We hope you’ll settle in, discover some magic in the wild, and perhaps even take it with you when you depart.”
Dining with Purpose
Lunch was served by the infinity pool with a special guest, Dr. Dawn Cory Toussaint, Few & Far’s resident ecologist and reserve manager. With an ambitious vision to conserve, rewild, and restore a continuous 100,000 hectares of the Soutpansberg Mountains, Dawn was among the first hires in 2021. Petite and cheerful, she’s not typically whom you’d picture behind the excavator clearing away invasive species or removing hundreds of poaching snares, but like all the women in Sarah’s circle, they are never to be underestimated. While relishing a delicious lunch of beetroot gnocchi and wood-fired pizzas made with vegetables from their farm, Dawn shared some exciting news…
Conservation Goals & Achievements
Thanks to the efforts of Few & Far and the Endangered Wildlife Trust, 11,000 hectares of the Soutpansberg Mountains have recently been officially designated for environmental protection, with an additional 25,000 hectares expected to follow later this year. We raised our glasses in celebration and admiration of Few & Far’s 50-year plan to save a mountain range and sequester 100,000 tons of carbon every year.
Behind the Scenes: A conservation levy of $100 per person per day is included in a guest’s stay, supporting Few & Far’s carbon offset initiatives and efforts in ecosystem restoration. For those wishing to contribute physically, guests can join the “Conservationist for a Day” program, which involves rewilding and carbon capture through the removal of invasive species and the planting of native trees, shrubs, and grasses.
Female Empowerment
“Are you prepared for your afternoon game drive?” asked a young woman dressed in shades of green. With Sarah continuing her role as managing partner of Enygma Ventures, an investment fund for African female entrepreneurs, it’s fitting that she brought Lizzie on board as a safari guide. Lizzie grew up taking many of her meals at a nature reserve’s soup kitchen but would linger longer each day to volunteer and gain knowledge about the environment. Her hard